Brief
Saudi Arabia waives work‑permit fees for eligible Yemeni workers
The Qiwa platform announced a 60‑day drive that cancels outstanding fees for qualifying Yemeni workers and allows status regularisation through digital channels.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saudi Arabia has begun a 60‑day initiative that cancels overdue work‑permit fees for eligible Yemeni workers and lets them transfer to new employers, Gulf News reported on October 11.
What happened
The scheme, launched on Sunday, applies to Yemeni professional workers who were recorded as absent from work before 16 June 2026. It covers three groups: those with residency permits who are absent, those absent without a residency permit, and those still in the kingdom with expired permits. The exemption removes all previously accrued levies once a worker moves to a new establishment, and any new fees will be calculated from the transfer date.
What the reports add
Gulf News explained that the General Directorate of Passports also issued separate procedures for Yemenis living in Saudi Arabia without legal status. Those whose permits have expired can change employers via the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development using the Absher, Qiwa or Musaned platforms, provided they have a valid Yemeni passport and pass a medical exam. The report notes that the process is fully electronic, eliminating the need to visit government offices.
What was said
The Qiwa platform said the exemption applies whether or not a worker has previously been issued a residency permit. The Passports Directorate added that Yemenis without passports or travel documents will receive a free six‑month visit visa, and must book an appointment through Absher, select a status‑correction centre and provide proof of Yemeni nationality.
How it came about
The drive follows a series of Saudi measures aimed at regularising the status of foreign workers, including the October 6 policy that allowed skilled expatriates to bring family members during visa processing. Both initiatives use the same digital platforms, reflecting a broader push to streamline labour‑market administration and reduce informal employment.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia launched a 60‑day scheme to cancel overdue work‑permit fees for eligible Yemeni workers. (gulfnews.com)
- The exemption covers Yemeni workers reported absent before 16 June 2026, regardless of residency‑permit status. (gulfnews.com)
- Workers can transfer to new employers and will only pay fees from the transfer date onward. (gulfnews.com)
- Yemenis without passports will be granted a free six‑month visit visa. (gulfnews.com)
- The process is conducted electronically via Absher, Qiwa or Musaned platforms. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Saudi Arabia Waives Work Permit Fees for Yemenis in Status Correction Drive”
